Identification and diagnosis of risk factors and symptoms for rheumatic heart disease

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is one of the common heart disease acquired in children in many regions of the world, mainly in developing and underprivileged countries. This heart condition occurs following rheumatic fever caused by streptococcal infection. It affects the functionality of heart valves. When untreated it may lead to medical complications and even death. The disease mainly targeting children and young adults is responsible for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in people. Prevention and treatment of acute rheumatic fever plays an important role in controlling the disease. Diagnosis of the disease is critically important because misdiagnosis of acute rheumatic fever can lead to worsening of damage caused to heart valves and may also lead to premature death. This being a preventable problem, it can be managed through surgeries to repair functions of cardiac valves. Alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking has shown synergistic effect which may prove detrimental to cardiovascular health.